The CEO Thatta Cement Company Limited,
Special Interview to BM
Mr. Mohammad Fazaullah Sharif is a pioneer and distinguished in his frame of work and lofty in its personality. He is a chemical engineer.

He did his graduation from Middle East Technical University. After completing his graduation he came back to Pakistan and joined Cement Industry.

While using his experience he remained with this industry at least 16 years. When privatization process started he left this industry and joined consulting company.

In the same process he joined Thatta Cement as a Chief Operating Officer and now he is the Chief Executive Officer of Thatta Cement Private Limited. He set his goals and got achievements while using his earnest and industrial efforts. The Business Monitor endeavoured to have access this personality and had questions about him and his company as well.  >>>>>

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PHOTO GALLERY

Pakistan Complex project in Tokyo
What conspiracy behind the allegations?
By: Nadeem Ahmed Jamal
The group of few Japan residents Pakistanis had raised the questions and reservations regarding the sale of old Pakistani Embassy Compound and purchase of new embassy complex and alleged that time ambassador of Pakistan and head of chancery that they had received huge gratification in this transaction. Consequently the bureaucracy exhibit tremendous efforts to scandalize the issue to diminish the honour and progress of former ambassador of Pakistan Mr. Kamran Niaz. The matter has been put on to Public Accounts Committee to ascertain the facts and allegation. Whatever decides by the PAC in inquiry it is later topic. The Business Monitor has achieved the clarification regarding the matter. The sources disclosed the ground realities and argued that the allegations are fabricated, concocted and baseless. On the behalf of sources BM is publishing the story, which covers all the aspects and proper reply of the allegation. Sources revealed that the basic questions that need to be addressed in order to set at rest the engineered controversy about the Pakistani Embassy Project in Tokyo are the following:
i- Was the project in accord with Government's policy?
ii- Did the Project promote Pakistan's interest?
iii- Were the prevailing rules and procedures followed in the approval and the execution of the Project?
iv- Is there any credible evidence of any financial corruption (Commissions, kickbacks etc.) in the project?
This paper attempts to answer the questions outlined above in a comprehensive manner.  >>>>>

Political meddling triggered microfinance crisis in Pakistan
Says Ghazanfar Azzam Chief Executive Officer Kashf Microfinance Bank
Ghazanfar Azzam joined Kashf Foundation, the leading private sector MFI in Pakistan in early 2007. He worked with the founder of the Kashf Group and managing director of Kashf Foundation Ms. Roshaneh Zafar as project manager for establishing Kashf Microfinance Bank and assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer upon successful launch of the Bank in October 2008. He took over CEO's responsibility in November 2009. Prior to joining Kashf, Ghazanfar worked with ShoreBank International as a senior consultant on a SME Capacity Building USAID funded WHAM Project 2005-07. Ghazanfar did his masters (MBA) from Punjab University) and qualified as a professional banker (DAIBP) of Institute of Bankers, Pakistan in 1986. He is experienced banker in retail, consumer, commercial and SME banking. In his career spanning over 24 years, he worked with Habib Bank, Union Bank (now part of Standard Chartered), Bank Alfalah and Prime Bank (now part of RBS) in most of the banking functions i.e. branch banking operations, customer services, small business finance, liability & asset marketing.  >>>>>

The game of Carrom does not teach hatred
Mr. Arif Naqvi is president of Inernational Carrom Federation & European Carrom Confederation.

He worked in different professions: teaching in the university, as editor on Radio, correspondent of several Newspapers and News Agencies, writing short stories, plays, poems and acting on stage etc.

At present he is retired person, but socially active. Business Monitor has taken special interview of this jubilant man, presenting with proud.  >>>>>

Promoting SMEs
One of the significant characteristics of a flourishing and growing economy is a booming and blooming small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector. Small and medium enterprises play an important role in the development of a country. SMEs contribute to economic development in various ways: by creating employment for rural and urban growing labor force, providing desirable sustainability and innovation in the economy as a whole .In addition to that, a large number of people rely on the small and medium enterprises directly or indirectly. Most of the current larger enterprises have their origin in small and medium enterprises. SMEs are different from large scale enterprises  >>>>>

Pakistanis More Concerned About Economy Than Terrorism
By: Mawaiz Khan Akash
The International Republican Institute (IRI) released a poll (PDF) of Pakistani public attitudes. This poll was conducted in March, so two important caveats are in order when reading this poll. The first is that the survey was conducted at the height of the political conflict between President Asif Ali Zardari and opposition leader Nawaz Sharif over the reinstatement of Pakistani Supreme Court  >>>>>

Prgmea chairman to address body on yarn crisis
Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Central Chairman Mohsin Ayub Mirza will visit the city on Saturday and address the Zonal Managing Committee (ZMC) and Central Managing Committee (CMC), regarding the yarn crises, which is badly affecting the Pakistan apparel sector. Mohsin Ayub Mirza had several meetings with the Minister of Textile, Minister of Finance, Minster of Commerce and discussed with them on the issue. On this occasion he would address print and electronic media to share the latest information about the meetings. The press conference will be held at Hotel Awari, Kunhar Hall at 1.30 PM. It is worth mentioning that Mr Mohsin Ayub Mirza of M/s Joe's Fashion Export (Pvt) (Ltd), is a leading garment manufacturer and exporter in the country.

FPCCI asks KICT to handle all consignments
Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry has asked KICT to handle all consignments at the terminal to save the trade from any hassle and mismanagement. According to a statement issued here Muhammad Mansha Churra, Vice President and overall representative from FPCCI on FBR, Mumtaz Ali Sheikh, Vice President FPCCI and Sheikh Shakil Ahmed Dhingra, Chairman FPCCI Standing Committee on FBR said KICT, PICT, QICT terminals were established to cater to the requirements of Pacc's System and speedy clearance of imports. These terminals are Non expensive than KPT but traders accepted them to avoid a lot of hassle, in a recent move of FBR the bonding consignments of imports have been taken out of the preview of Pacc's. Examination of such consignments will be done by appraisement collectorate PICT & QICT have agreed to ground containers in their terminals for examination by appraisement staff, but KICT insists on shifting the cargo to KPT for further processing that puts the trade in trouble and imports expensive and cause unnecessary delays.

APTMA on strike against cut in yarn export quota
The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) is observing strike today along with around 350 yarn manufacturing factories all over Pakistan to protest against a government move, which slashed their export quota to 35 million kgs of yarn a month from 50 million kg. Federal Textile Minister Rana Farooq said all the issues would be amicably resolved through negotiations. The most of the textile units in the country are closed today on call by the Aptma. The textile ministry, which is being accused by representatives of yarn manufacturers of favouring the value-added textile sector, has offered talks, but vowed not to be blackmailed by any interest group.  >>>>>

KCCI LAUDS PRIME MINISTER FOR DIRECTIVES TO DEFER ADVANCEMENT OF CLOCK
President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Abdul Majid Haji Muhammad, in a statement to the Press, lauded Prime Minister of Pakistan, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani for his directive to withdraw the notification of proposed advancement of clocks by one hour. He appreciated the Prime Minister for according due consideration to the request of KCCI along with other stakeholders  >>>>>

KCCI COVERS STAFF FOR HEALTH INSURANCE
"First time in the history of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry our leadership and office bearers, for better health and maintaining pleasant working environment, health insurance coverage is provided to all staff of KCCI" expressed by Abdul Majid Haji Muhammad, President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry in a press note. Abdul Majid stated that we do treat the staff as our important part rather  >>>>>

National Bank of Pakistan Aims to Tap 'War Chest' of Bad Debts
National Bank of Pakistan, the lender with the highest loan delinquency ratio in the nation, plans to boost profit by recovering more funds from borrowers as an economic slowdown and terror attacks damp growth prospects. "Our non-performing loans are a war chest for our investors," Chief Executive Officer Syed Ali Raza, 59, said in an interview at his Karachi head office yesterday.  >>>>>

SBP to rein in burgeoning banks fees
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said it will specify limits on fees, which banks charge on their various services, as it is a means of exploitation of the consumers, Geo News reported Tuesday. Talking to Geo News, SBP's Executive Director Inayat Hussain said the central bank has made it clear to banks that the consumers were being greatly mistreated through their principle of open market with fees on  >>>>>

UBL, Pak Suzuki to benefit auto buyers
United Bank Limited (UBL) and Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited entered into an agreement whereby customers of both organisations can have an opportunity to benefit from their combined strength. Whereas, UBL is one of Pakistan's largest private banks with an extensive network of over 1,100 branches across Pakistan, Pak-Suzuki also has the largest countrywide network of 3S (Sales, Service, Spares) Dealers, catering to the majority of automobile customers in the country.

Alfalah partners with Etihad Airways
Karachi-Etihad Airways, has announced a new partnership with Pakistan's Bank Alfalah for its Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme, allowing Etihad Guest members to convert their accumulated Bank Alfalah credit card reward points to Etihad Guest Miles. Bank Alfalah, part of the Abu Dhabi Group, currently operates through 195 branches in 74 cities across Pakistan, making it one of the largest banks in the country. Bank Alfalah, under the  >>>>>

Habib Bank striving for further growth: Allana
Pakistan's oldest commercial bank-Habib Bank Limited-has set its eyes for further development and growth through investments in modern technology that would offer better incentives for its customers. The bank chairman Sultan Ali Allana, speaking here Monday evening at the opening of the new branch in the upscale Edgware Road, within the walking distance of the popular shopping area of Oxford Street  >>>>>

FPCCI to send trade delegation to Morocco
FPCCI will send a trade delegation to Morocco in June 2010, Sultan Ahmed Chawla, President FPCCI said in a meeting with Rida Al Fassi, ambassador of Morocco.

He said Pakistan is fully interested in expanding trade with Morocco and requested the ambassador to hold a trade exhibition of Pakistani products in Morocco and proposed Pakistani mango exporters to hold a 'mango week' in Morocco.

He also advised the ambassador to hold a 'Moroccan week' in Pakistan to familiarize Pakistani consumers with Moroccan goods.

LPG price cut by Rs 5 per kilogramme
The chairman of FPCCI Standing Committee on LPG and All Pakistan LPG Distributors Association Hadi Khan said PARCO and other producers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) on Tuesday slashed its price by Rs 5100 to Rs 67,175 per metric ton in the country. He said that this 8 percent decrease in price was pleasant surprise and the producers has cut the price mainly because of sharp decline in LPG sale which has dropped  >>>>>

Move to ban import of used PCs opposed
As there is zero existence of hardware industry in the country, the ban would directly affect thousands of vendors and businessmen associated with this industry. He said used computers are being imported since 1999 as they are affordable to middle class and the local people due to reduce cost, functional life of over five years and are friendly to new software which has great productivity. The market share  >>>>>

NA, PAs approval mandatory for VAT enforcement
The Value Added Tax (VAT) proposed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to replace the General Sales Tax (GST) from July 1, 2010, cannot be imposed without its adoption by the National Assembly as well as the four provincial assemblies.  >>>>>

All chambers reject Trade Ord and VAT
All chambers and associations across the country have unanimously rejected the Trade Ordinance (TO) and Value Added Tax (VAT), Tariq Sayeed former President FPPCI said. In a statement issued on Thursday, he said the government should increase tax culture and facilitate the businessmen by making necessary amendments in VAT after consulting them  >>>>>

High-Class Project GoldLine Residency
GoldLine Residency is a high-class, 12-storey project comprising of 4, 5 and 6 room luxury apartments that introduces an unprecedented way of living to the neighbourhood of Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Beautifully located, sophisticatedly designed and well equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, this luxurious project gives its residents an opportunity to enjoy peace and serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of city. From secure, well maintained interiors to picturesque lush green surroundings, GoldLine Residency promises an enriched lifestyle that any family would dream to live. GoldLine Properties is a name synonymous with trust and commitment in the Real Estate sector of Pakistan. The Group has come a long way since its inception 20 years ago, and have successfully launched  >>>>>

Hakeem Villas a glorrious Housing project
A well searched and well reputed locatio of Hakeem Villas is chosen to compliment not only this scenic neghbourhood but also this beutiful built community and its plush surroundings. Hakeem Villas is located opposite defence officers Housing Society Phase I & II, near askari apartments Phase V and adjacent to PAF Officer's Society. This part of twon wherepretigius comminity  >>>>>

Pakistan House the Peak of Time
Welcome to Pakistan House, an online web portal especially dedicated to give viewers a housing to all of the property & real estate information along with other online services at broad spectrum. If you want to buy house in Pakistan at affordable rates, Pakistan House provides you links to top property & real estate services of Pakistan. Similarly if you want to utilize  >>>>>

Traders decline ITP,demand revision
Steel importers and traders have unanimously rejected the Import Trade Price (ITP) recently revised upward by the Customs up to 60 percent and demanded to revise for the determination of values for flat rolled products of iron and steel products (HR, CR and GP Sheets). Shamoon Bakir Ali, President, Karachi Iron & Steel Merchants Association (KISMA) in a letter to Director General Valuation  >>>>>

IT sector attracts $2.253bn in 2yrs
The telecom sector performed well in all its spheres during the past two years as the overall teledensity increased from 58.7 percent to 63.5 percent and total foreign direct investment (FDI) was recorded at $2.253 billion. As per the statistics available with this news agency, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom and its attached departments  >>>>>

METRO Cash & Carry celebrates 1st anniversary
METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan celebrated the 1st Anniversary of its Safari Park wholesale branch "Trade Mela 2010" ceremony was arranged on this occasion, which was attended by around 700 guests - largely traders. The objective was to celebrate 1 year of successful running of METRO Cash & Carry operations of its Safari Park wholesale center as well as to further reinforce the business relationship with local business partners. This Trade Mela was held to further establish METRO's cash & carry wholesale concept of "Partner for Professionals." In the Trade Mela, incredible offers and beneficial packages are introduced, such as Happy hour with unbelievable prices on selected products in specified hours, Bumper offers, Every day low price and much more to attract and benefit HORECA, Traders & Institutions.

Telecom sector fails to attract direct foreign investment
Telecom sector has failed to attract handsome inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) so far in the current fiscal year despite the announcement of multiple new projects and expansion of business. One of the major contributors to FDI, Telecom sector's investment has been recorded steep decline of 72 percent in the first eight months of the current financial year as majority of the foreign-based  >>>>>

Pak has enormous renewable energy resources
Provincial Minister for Information Technology Mohammad Raza Haroon inaugurated the fourth Power and Alternative Energy Asia International Exhibition and Conference here at the Karachi Expo Centre on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Information Technology Sindh, Mohammad Raza Haroon said that Pakistan ignored its energy sector  >>>>>